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Antalya hosts 77th International Astronautical Congress
The 77th International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2026) concluded in Antalya, Turkey, drawing approximately 10,000 participants from 111 countries. The event, organized by the International Astronautical Federation, featured high-level discussions on space technology, safety, and international cooperation. During the congress, the Antalya Declaration was introduced to promote space as a peaceful domain for all humanity.
Turkish Industry and Technology Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacır announced several strategic milestones for the nation's space program. Turkey aims to launch the HÜRSAT satellite using its own Şimşek-1 rocket by the end of 2027. Additionally, the country is preparing for a lunar mission in early 2027 using a domestically developed space vehicle with an 87 percent local technology rate. To ensure independent access to space, Turkey is also working to establish a spaceport in Somalia near the equator.
Beyond technical sessions, the congress highlighted cultural integration through the 'Anatoludakiler' project, showcasing Turkish heritage to global delegates. The event also served as a platform for Turkish space startups to engage with international industry leaders. Future congress locations were announced, with Geneva selected to host the 2029 edition.
Entities
Alper Gezeravcı · Antalya · European Space Agency · International Astronautical Federation · International Astronauts Chapter · Mehmet Fatih Kacır · Ministry of Industry and Technology · SAHA Istanbul · Selçuk Bayraktar · Turkish Space Agency · Tuva Cihangir Atasever
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [DISPUTED] The Moon mission project has reached an 87 percent domestic technology rate. www.benguturk.com · www.gazeteilksayfa.com · www.sondakika.com
- [DISPUTED] Turkey is preparing to go to the Moon with its own developed space vehicle in the first months of 2027. www.borsagundem.com.tr · www.benguturk.com · www.sondakika.com
- [● 15 SOURCES] The 77th International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2026) was held in Antalya, Turkey. alkuwaitnews.net · alsaudi.news · basakgazetesi.com · www.borsagundem.com.tr · www.sivasirade.com · +10 more
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Antalya Declaration was initiated to ensure space remains a zone of peace and cooperation. www.borsagundem.com.tr
- [● 2 SOURCES] Turkey is working to establish a spaceport in a location near the equator in Somalia. www.gazeteilksayfa.com · www.sondakika.com
- [● 5 SOURCES] Approximately 10,000 participants from 111 countries attended the congress. alkuwaitnews.net · alsaudi.news · www.borsagundem.com.tr · www.avrupagazete.co.uk · www.yenialanya.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacır announced Turkey aims to send the HÜRSAT satellite to space using the Şimşek-1 rocket by the end of 2027. www.gazeteilksayfa.com · www.sondakika.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Geneva was selected to host the 2029 International Astronautical Congress. alkuwaitnews.net · alsaudi.news